Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2984

Introduced

5/24/22

Refer

5/24/22

Report Pass

6/14/22

Engrossed

6/16/22

Enrolled

6/22/22

Passed

6/27/22

Caption

Housing Maintenance And Occupancy Code

Impact

The implications of S2984 are significant for state housing laws. By allowing municipal authorities to intervene when property owners fail to maintain their buildings, local governments can better safeguard public health and safety. Additionally, the bill establishes a revolving fund that can assist property owners with repair costs, thus providing financial support where necessary. This could lead to improved living conditions in deteriorating neighborhoods, while also maintaining the rights of tenants through provisions regarding rental obligations during repair periods. However, the burdens placed on landlords may also lead to increased operational costs if compliance is not managed effectively.

Summary

Bill S2984, also known as the Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Code, aims to amend existing laws regarding the maintenance and occupancy of housing units in cities and towns. Introduced by Senators Goodwin and Bell on May 24, 2022, the bill establishes clearer protocols for managing housing conditions deemed unsafe for human habitation. It grants enforcement officers the authority to undertake repairs when property owners neglect their responsibilities, provided that the costs do not exceed 50% of the property's fair market value. This measure seeks to ensure the safety and welfare of occupants and the general public, promoting healthier living environments across the state.

Contention

There are potential points of contention surrounding S2984. Critics may argue that the bill could lead to an increase in governmental interference in private property management, where landlords might view the expanded authority of enforcement officers as overreach. Concerns about the financial liabilities imposed on property owners, particularly those with already strained resources, may invoke debates about the balance between tenant rights and landlord responsibilities. Furthermore, the effective implementation of a revolving fund to support repairs raises questions about funding sources and administrative efficiency, which could impact the overall effectiveness of the bill.

Latest RI S2984 Activity

View All Events: RI 2022 Regular Session S2984

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0709

TOWNS AND CITIES -- HOUSING MAINTENANCE AND OCCUPANCY CODE -- NOTICE OF

RI H7658

Requires a housing code enforcement officer to give a copy of any housing code violation notice to all tenants of the building affected by a housing code violation along with any hearing dates scheduled for the violation.

RI S2269

Requires a housing code enforcement officer to give a copy of any housing code violation notice to all tenants of the building affected by an alleged housing code violation, along with any hearing dates scheduled for the violation.

RI H5267

RI H8036

ROOM) ACT (Expands access to inherently affordable housing by re-legalizing co-living/single-room occupancy (SRO) and shared dwelling models of many types.

RI S0906

Allows for a tenant to withhold payment of rent, and deposit the rent accruing into an escrow bearing account, upon the issuance of a second notice of violation by an enforcing officer for any state or local minimum housing code enforcement agency.

RI S2901

Allows for a tenant to withhold payment of rent and deposit the rent accruing into an escrow bearing account, upon the issuance of a second notice of violation by an enforcing officer for any state or local minimum housing code enforcement agency.

RI H5921

RI SB1433

An act to amend Sections 733, 2242.2, 2553.5, 3046.1, 4073.5, 4602, 4610, 4826.5, 4858, 6126.7, 16608, and 17810 of the Business and Professions Code, to amend Sections 714.6, 798.14, 798.74.4, 1714.27, 3273.29, 4752, and 8811 of the Civil Code, to amend Sections 697.680 and 1094.9 of the Code of Civil Procedure, to amend Sections 234.7, 35221, 38134, 44043.5, 46392, 49001, 51140, 69436, 70022, 70034, and 88821 of the Education Code, to amend Sections 6915, 12304, and 12309 of the Elections Code, to amend Section 5654 of the Fish and Game Code, to amend Section 21283 of the Food and Agricultural Code, to amend Sections 1031.5, 6215, 6588.7, 8010, 8557, 10233, 10240, 11041, 11123.2, 12100.33, 12100.162, 12910, 12960, 12965, 15475.6, 19829.9854, 53398.52, 54953.4, 54953.8, 54953.8.1, 54954.2, 54957.9, 63049.71, 65589.5, 65914.2, 65950, 66300.6.5, 66323, 67784, 67786, 67788, and 87202 of, and to repeal the heading of Chapter 17.45 (commencing with Section 7289) of Division 7 of Title 1 of, the Government Code, to amend Section 676 of the Harbors and Navigation Code, to amend Sections 1279.6, 1342.74, 1367.25, 1597.640, 8028.73, 17021.8, 17970.3, 38532, 38562, 38562.3, 38591.2, 40100.5.5, 41313, 44501, 44515, 44559.14, 50406.4, 50410, 53545.14, 104660, 104661, and 108980 of the Health and Safety Code, to amend Sections 937, 10123.1933, and 10123.196 of the Insurance Code, to amend Sections 923.1, 1401, and 2810.8 of the Labor Code, to amend Section 59 of the Military and Veterans Code, to amend Sections 136.1, 636.6, 1170, 2780.6, 11105.04, and 13667 of the Penal Code, to amend Sections 4291.5, 4584.1, 4584.2, 5006.1, 5598, 5797.4, 21080.28.5, 21080.43, 21080.44, 25354, 25545, 25545.16, 25545.19, 30166, 30168, 30600.5, and 42652.5 of the Public Resources Code, to amend Sections 748.5, 850, 3299.2, 3310, 8501, and 180305 of, to amend the heading of Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 8500) of Division 4.1 of, and to repeal the heading of Article 7 of Chapter 3 of Division 1.5 of, the Public Utilities Code, to amend Sections 17053.40, 19002, and 23640 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, to amend Sections 21201 and 21450.5 of the Vehicle Code, to amend Sections 351, 50976, 60385, 60414, 74467, and 74850 of the Water Code, to amend Sections 309, 827, 9630, 10213.5, 11330.6, 13300.5, 14005.62, 14005.27, 14105.47, 14132.968, 16000.1, 16121.5, and 18900 of, and to repeal Section 12306.16 of, the Welfare and Institutions Code, and to amend Section 3 of Chapter 578 of the Statutes of 2025, relating to maintenance of the codes.

RI AB2005

An act to add and repeal Section 1102.6l to of the Civil Code, and to amend amend, repeal, and add Section 66411.7 of the Government Code, relating to land use.